Auburn early leader for 2018 in-state LB
Nathaniel Watson has Auburn on top of his list following a visit to Saturday’s cookout.
AUBURN | When Nathaniel Watson is ready, so is Auburn.
Watson, a talented 2018 linebacker from Maplesville (Ala.) High, discussed the possibility of committing during his visit to Auburn Saturday.
“Coach (Kevin) Steele told me not to take too long because before long it's going to already be here,” Watson said. “I decided not to commit yet but I'm still processing it. They're my No. 1 pick, though.”
Auburn offered Watson following a camp earlier this summer.
“It meant a lot to me. It was my first SEC offer,” Watson said. “It's a great environment and it's close to home so it would be better if I just come up here.”
Watson is quickly developing a close relationship with Steele, who was hired as Auburn’s defensive coordinator right after the Birmingham Bowl last December.
“He's my favorite coach so far. He's easy to talk to. He came to Maplesville to recruit me,” Watson said.
Watson, 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, also has offers from Mississippi State, South Alabama and Bowling Green. Alabama, Ole Miss and Georgia are showing interest.
Watson has family ties to two former Auburn and NFL running backs: uncle Tommie Agee and cousin Harold Morrow. He’s never attended a game at Jordan-Hare Stadium but plans to change that Sept. 3 for the opener against Clemson.
He’s looking forward to seeing one of his favorite Auburn traditions in person.
“When the eagle comes down before every game is my favorite part,” he said.
Watson has led Maplesville to back-to-back Class 1A state championships playing linebacker, quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Auburn is recruiting him as an outside linebacker.